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STEPHEN UHLER Dr. Stuart Taylor, Royal Canadian Navy veteran, life member of the Legion, and long-time local philanthropist was presented a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to recognize his lifetime of work to make his community a better place during a special ceremony held Saturday at Branch 72 of the Royal Canadian Legion. Here, Senator Mike Duffy, left, presents the medal to Dr. Taylor, while his son Gordon Taylor stands beside them.

Friends, family and admirers gathered at Pembroke Branch 72 of the Royal Canadian Legion Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to Dr. Stuart Taylor.

The Royal Canadian Navy veteran, life member of the Legion, and long-time local philanthropist was presented a Diamond Jubilee Medal to recognize his lifetime of work to make his community and country a better place.

Senator Mike Duffy, who presented the medal to Dr. Taylor, said he could think of no one more deserving of such recognition. He said there are reminders of his generosity to his community everywhere.

“You went off to war, and returned home to Pembroke to help build the peace,” he said. “Being awarded this medal signifies your important contributions to everyday life in Canada, and through your daily actions, you make our society and our country a better place.”

The senator said people like Dr. Taylor serve as role models for others to give back to their communities in whatever way they can.

The medal, struck in 2012 to commemorate the 60th year of Elizabeth II’s reign, was one of 60,000 produced for Canada.

“The Queen has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that dedication to service than to thank those who do the same in their everyday lives,” Duffy said.

“I’ll wear this with great pride,” Dr. Taylor said, after receiving the medal.

Pembroke Mayor Ed Jacyno said he has known Stuart Taylor for a long time, and stated he has helped so many people and organizations over the years it is hard to keep track of them all.

The family’s more recent contributions include the donation of land to the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club, on behalf of his late wife Jean, the addition of audio stations within the Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village, the donation of a new library now named The Taylor Room to Calvin United Church, and the founding of the Legion Pipes and Drums, where he had bought all of the instruments and equipment to make it happen.

Randy Briand, who with his father Hugh are a big part of the band, said having such a group adds heart and soul and a certain spirit to the community, and it is all due to Dr. Taylor’s generosity.

“This is a very selfless man and a special man who had many dreams, one of those was a pipe band,” he said, noting its members are working hard to measure up to this new legacy.

Briand added they are looking for new drummers and pipers, and those interested can call Hugh Briand at 613-587-4285.